As the year 2026 begins, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo, Professor Ebunoluwa Adejuyigbe, has called on members of the university community to remain steadfast and committed to advancing the institution to greater heights in teaching, research and community service.

Professor Adejuyigbe made the call in her New Year message, personally signed and released in Ondo.

Congratulating the people of the state and the UNIMED community for witnessing another year, the Vice-Chancellor said, “The Lord will make us a praise upon the earth and make us enjoy the overflow of His blessings.

“This is a year when all hands must continually be on deck to move the University of Medical Sciences, our university, to greater heights in teaching, research and community service. It is a year when innovation will take centre stage in all we do as an institution.

“It is a year when we will not only improve on how we have been operating, but also introduce new methods and ways of doing things.”

The Vice-Chancellor highlighted some of the achievements recorded since she assumed office, particularly in academics, staff welfare and infrastructure in 2025.

“Your cooperation and support made a whole lot of difference. I am thankful to God and all members of staff,” she said.

According to her, the university recorded the highest number of matriculating students in its history, with 1,232 fresh students, all of whom received their matriculation numbers and identity cards on the day of matriculation.

She added that UNIMED was recognised internationally as the inaugural winner of the prestigious Going Global Partnerships Awards in London.

Professor Adejuyigbe also disclosed that the university paid the 2019 consequential wage adjustment arrears, commenced payment of the new minimum wage and paid bonuses to all staff in December 2025 in appreciation of their dedication.

She noted that promotion exercises were successfully conducted, a state-of-the-art internet facility was installed across academic areas and hostels, and groundwork commenced for the construction of two faculties and hostel facilities on the main campus through TETFund grants and partnerships with private investors, among other achievements.

However, the Vice-Chancellor urged students, staff and management not to rest on their oars, stressing that more work must be done to sustain the institution’s position as a leading medical university.

She acknowledged that the achievements did not come without challenges, noting that the university experienced moments when resilience and resolve were tested.

“There were times when avoidable internal wrangling and disagreements set us back. However, we were able to overcome them through openness, transparency and good governance,” she said.

“We are better off today than we were in 2025. Let us put behind us what divides us and embrace what unites us. UNIMED belongs to all of us, and it is only in unity that we can achieve sustainable development.”

She urged every member of the university community to see themselves as critical stakeholders in the institution’s success.

“Do your part wherever you are. Let nobody mislead you. See UNIMED as a project that must thrive, flourish and blossom. Always remind yourself that if UNIMED must succeed, it is up to me,” she said.

Professor Adejuyigbe expressed optimism that with creativity, innovation and cooperation, the university would experience smooth operations and sustained progress in the year ahead, offering prayers for favour, peace and abundance for the institution and its community in 2026.